I want to build something

[Hwoodworks]

I want to build something under 25 ft., but I don't know much about design of small sailing water craft. I am having a hard time choosing something without knowing relative terms, and other things that I don’t know, that I don’t know about boats. Looking for reference on design for small sailing craft.

I don't want to design a boat. Just want to make informed decision on what to build. As of today I am sailing a International Star 1953 woody. Jet 14 cold moulded Mahogany, and a Prindle 18. Don’t say any thing bad about any of my girls.

Thinking of building either a Dark Harbor 12 1/2, Luders 16, Water Lily, the Biscayne Bay 14, Buzzards Bay 15, Alden O-Boats, or Haven 12 1/2. Are there any others that would meet my criteria, or does one of these stand out as a fit, or not. I would like to build all of the above, but must pick one.

I think my criteria are:

Size: Trailerable

Seating: For two - four

Construction: Not looking for something easy.

Materials: Mahogany or cedar over white oak.

Rigging: Easy to rig from trailer for one who sails alone sometimes. I set a 36’ mast on my star alone, taller would become a problem.

Location of sailing: Inland lakes and Missouri Rivers.

Motor: Solar outboard electric, battery, with amorphous silicon thin film collectors. Or 4 hp outboard.

Winds: Low, high, and gusty, in the spring you don’t let lose of your sheet lines often.

Resale: Yes,

Draft: Shallow, with swing keel, a fixed keel is not out of the question.

Weight: ? Light as a feather. To tow with F 150 truck, or 250 van.

Name: Melissa or Quiver

I love to teach, and would use this boat for that also.

[JimD]

... Looking for reference on design for small sailing craft.

Size: Trailerable
Materials: Mahogany or cedar over white oak.

.

Our host's store has several books on design. This might be a good one to start with. I have read it and found it helpful although other forum members can hopefully recommend books that are less about designing and more about how different boats (ie the ones you are considering building) differ.

http://www.woodenboatstore.com/images/300326S.JPG

Trailering traditionally planked boats is problematic, but you probably already know that. Good luck.

[esingleman]

I want to build something under 25 ft., but I don't know much about design of small sailing water craft. I am having a hard time choosing something without knowing relative terms, and other things that I don’t know, that I don’t know about boats. Looking for reference on design for small sailing craft.

I don't want to design a boat. Just want to make informed decision on what to build. As of today I am sailing a International Star 1953 woody. Jet 14 cold moulded Mahogany, and a Prindle 18. Don’t say any thing bad about any of my girls.

Thinking of building either a Dark Harbor 12 1/2 (Beautiful boat, but there goes you shallow draft, and trailerability), Luders 16, Water Lily, the Biscayne Bay 14 (simplier build, a little boxy and less sexy looking, but might meet all of your requirements), Buzzards Bay 15 not sure if she is low draft, might consider the Watch Hill 15 by NGH, she is a keel centerboarder of similar design, Alden O-Boats not as sexy to me, or Haven 12 1/2 I am rebuilding an original H12.5, I like her for the seating accomodations, comfort, and the stability, not looking for too much speed myself. Are there any others that would meet my criteria, or does one of these stand out as a fit, or not. I would like to build all of the above, but must pick one. Look at Bill gardens Ell and Joel Whites flatfish, I am considering these for the next project.

I think my criteria are:

Size: Trailerable

Seating: For two - four

Construction: Not looking for something easy.

Materials: Mahogany or cedar over white oak.

Rigging: Easy to rig from trailer for one who sails alone sometimes. I set a 36’ mast on my star alone, taller would become a problem.

Location of sailing: Inland lakes and Missouri Rivers.

Motor: Solar outboard electric, battery, with amorphous silicon thin film collectors. Or 4 hp outboard. warp drive?

Winds: Low, high, and gusty, in the spring you don’t let lose of your sheet lines often.

Resale: Yes,

Draft: Shallow, with swing keel, a fixed keel is not out of the question.

Weight: ? Light as a feather. To tow with F 150 truck, or 250 van.

Name: Melissa or Quiver

I love to teach, and would use this boat for that also. Haven or Biscayne Bay 14 makes sense for this purpose

See above